Kontemporary Konsulting Ltd, NITDA, AfICTA, NiMC,  NDPC  To Facilitate Nigeria Side-Event At UNGA WSIS+ 20 High-level Meeting

By Clifford Agugoesi, Editor-in-Chief

2025 marks the 20 years since the inception of the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) World Summit on the Information Society(WSIS+20)a watershed moment that affords the world the rare opportunity to reimagine a future information society that is people-centric, inclusive and development oriented, and Nigeria would have an opportunity to demonstrate its rising profile as a digital economy giant, courtesy of a Government of Nigeria Side-Event, on December 15, at the UN Headquarters, New York at 3.00pm EST(9pm Nigerian Time).

Recall that the UNGA Resolution A/70/125 called for a high-level meeting in 2025 to review the overall implementation of the outcomes of the World  Summit on the Information Society, known as WSIS+20 Review.

Cyber Era NG understands that Renewed Hope Stakeholders in the US, Canada & Around the World, have been activated to be part of the event, which is being facilitated by Kontemporary Konsulting Ltd, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Africa Information and Communication Technologies Alliance(AfICTA),  National Identity Management Commission(NiMC), and Nigeria Data Protection Commission(NDPC) under the generic theme: Re-Imagining Digital Cooperation For Sustainable Development: From WSIS+20 Vision to Local Action.

NITDA, Kontemporary Konsulting Ltd and AfICTA are the lead conveners for the event.

A Concept Note for the Nigeria Side Event, at the disposal of our correspondents, jointly e-signed by Chair, AfICTA Advisory Council,  Principal Consultant, Kontemporary  Konsulting Ltd. & Member, IMSB, Dr. Jimson Olufuye and Director, e-Government and Digital Economy Development National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Dr. Salisu Kaka, respectively says, “As the UN General Assembly (UNGA) convenes to review and  endorse the WSIS+20 Review Outcome Document, there is a renewed urgency to align digital cooperation with contemporary realities — artificial  intelligence (AI), data governance, cybersecurity, digital trade, and equitable access to connectivity.

While significant progress has been achieved since 2005, the digital divide  persists, especially in the Global South, where issues of affordability,  infrastructure, digital literacy, and trust remain critical barriers. This side event  seeks to provide a multi-stakeholder platform to examine how WSIS+20  principles can be operationalized in Africa to accelerate digital transformation  aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

We understand the side event aims to:

 *Reflect on the WSIS+20 outcomes and their implications for national,  regional, and global digital strategies.

 *Showcase innovative models of digital cooperation, financing, and policy  harmonization — especially from Africa, Latin America, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

 *Foster dialogue among African governments, private sector, civil society, technical and academic communities on implementing WSIS+20 commitments in an era of AI, data sovereignty, and digital inclusion.

 *Promote actionable partnerships for capacity-development, cybersecurity  maturity, and digital trust frameworks.

The event will attempt to proffer answers to the following questions:

• How can the WSIS+20 commitments be localized to drive national digital  transformation agenda?
• What governance models best ensure inclusive participation in digital policymaking and standardization?
• How can public–private partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms bridge connectivity and capacity gaps?
• What new ethical and legal frameworks are needed to address AI, data protection, and digital rights?

We can authoritatively inform that the event is Hybrid Side Event (In-person + Virtual streaming).

Here is the event Format:

-Opening remarks by UN GA WSIS+20 Co-facilitator, UN GA  WSIS+20 IMSB reps, UNECA, AfICTA rep, SmartAfrica…

 -Keynote Speeches

 -High-level panel discussion (Ministers, DGs, private sector leaders,  technical community leaders, academia, and civil society)

 -Interactive Q&A and live audience polling

 -Closing statement and partnership call-to-action

 Expected Outcomes

• A joint communiqué or policy brief summarizing recommendations for WSIS+20 implementation in Africa.
• Launch of “Africa Digital Cooperation Accelerator”– a platform for crosssector partnerships and resource mobilization.
• Increased visibility of regional and local digital innovation ecosystems as contributors to WSIS goals.
• Strengthened multi-stakeholder collaboration frameworks aligned with SDG17(Partnerships for the Goals).

The event targets:

*African Government Ministers, Director-Generals and Permanent Representatives Regional Economic Communities (RECs)

 *International Development Agencies and Donors

 *Private Sector and Startup Ecosystems

 *Technical and Research Institutions

 *Civil Society and Youth Organizations

-With additional reporting by Godson Umejiego, Bureau Chief, The Americas